Please share with us some of your non-martial arts background.

I was raised on the Jersey Shore in Toms River. I spent most of my youth in and on the Barnegat Bay and at the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights. After high school I went to the University of Southern California (Go Trojans!) majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I then went into the Army and spent two years living in Germany as an Infantryman in the Ready First combat brigade of the 1st Armored Division. After leaving active duty, I went back to school at Rutgers University (Go RU!) and obtained a Computer Science degree. My first job out of Rutgers was with Accenture (Andersen Consulting at the time). I've been working with Accenture for over 12 years, and my current role is an application outsourcing manager for Bristol Meyers Squibb in Lawrenceville.

Can you please speak to your first interest in Martial Arts?

I've had an interest in Martial Arts since I was a kid. I always enjoyed watching Black Belt theatre on Sunday afternoons and loved martial arts movies. I first started training when I was in high school in Shotokan Karate. I later trained in Tang Soo Do and Okinawan Kempo/Torite Jutsu. I was never able to train in any style for a long time since I moved every 1-3 years until I bought my current residence in Hillsborough. In addition, my job sometimes requires a lot of travel. During one two year period before joining PAMA, I amassed nearly 1 million Marriot rewards points! I still miss the daily maid service and tasty little mints on my pillow.

How did you first hear about PAMA and what made you decide to join the academy?

In 2007, I experienced a severe health issue, and underwent two surgeries. I really couldn't do any physical activity except walking short distances for over 8 months. I needed to be in town to attend doctor's appointments and even walking was painful, so I switched my role at work from a travelling consultant to a long term in-town position. I had always wanted to get back into martial arts, and my in-town assignment enabled me to start training again. I searched for Martial Arts schools online and found PAMA. During my year of inactivity, I watched a lot of MMA on Spike TV and decided that I wanted to try a more boxing/kickboxing oriented style and try some ground fighting. It turned out that PAMA was a perfect match, and was also close to work.

What are some of the benefits that you have experienced through the Martial Arts?

I believe that Martial Arts provides a number of benefits to its students. On the physical side, you receive a combination of strength, cardio, and flexibility training. Martial arts also burns a lot of calories. Combined with a good diet it can help with weight loss goals. Since joining PAMA, I've lost 15 pounds. Martial arts also helps with reaction speed, timing, and hand-eye coordination. On the mental side, Martial Arts can build self confidence, focus, awareness, and is a great stress relief. As an IT manager, I am continually bombarded with information all day long. It's nice to go to PAMA and just have to concentrate on one thing... like not getting punched in the head. Another great thing about martial arts is that it's exercise with a purpose. Instead of just excercising to get in shape, you also learn a valuable skill - self defense.

What arts do you study and which are your favorites?

I currently study Muay Thai and Jun Fan. I don't think I really have a favorite. My favorite techniques in Muay Thai are the devastating knees and the clinch, though I'm not very good at it yet. In Jun Fan, I enjoy the boxing skills. I'd like to branch into MMA next since I've never tried any ground fighting, and I'm also interested in the new boxing skills class.

How do you feel that cross training benefits you?

I feel that there are two categories where cross training benefits me. The first is 'similar' skills. There are a lot of skills that cross the different styles. For example, jabs, hooks, and crosses are basically the same across the styles so training in these skills is directly transferrable. The second is 'dissimilar' skills. Each of the styles has some techniques that are not present, or are not commonly used in the other arts. Cross training puts more tools in your toolbox. Sifu talked about most people falling back on a handful of techniques that they prefer. Cross training gives you a larger number of techniques to choose from to find ones that fit your body type, fitness level, and style.

What do you enjoy most about your training?

The thing I enjoy most about training at PAMA is the fast pace and focus on bag and pad drills. In some of the traditional Karate styles I tried, there was a lot of training done just striking the air. There was also a lot of emphasis on 'Kata', or forms. I always liked actually hitting things, so I find the PAMA training more enjoyable. Another enjoyable aspect of training at PAMA is the people. There are a lot of skilled martial artists at PAMA. They are very willing to help more junior students, and I believe that training with people who are more skilled than yourself helps you learn faster.

Anything else additional you would like to add?

Thanks to Sifu Rick, the instructors, and the assistant instuctors that make PAMA a great place to train!